Hearing aids are essential tools for millions of people, offering improved communication, safety, and overall quality of life. However, like all electronic devices, they can occasionally experience technical issues. Whether it’s a matter of your hearing aid not working at all or experiencing intermittent sound, prompt hearing aid troubleshooting can help identify and fix many common problems before they escalate.
In this article, we’ll explore the most frequent hearing aid issues, practical solutions, signs that your hearing aid may need professional repair, and how to properly care for your device to prolong its lifespan.
5 Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them
Even the best hearing aids may run into occasional hiccups. Here are five common hearing aid problems and what you can do about them:
1. Hearing Aid Not Working at All
Issue: No sound coming from the device.
Possible Causes:
- Dead or improperly inserted battery
- Wax buildup blocking the microphone or speaker
- Device not powered on
Solution:
- Replace with a fresh battery and ensure it’s inserted correctly
- Clean the device gently using a wax pick or brush
Confirm the hearing aid is turned on
If the hearing aid is not working with a new battery, it might be time to consider a professional check.
2. One Hearing Aid Not Working (e.g., Right Hearing Aid Not Working)
Issue: Sound works in one ear, but not the other.
Possible Causes:
- Battery issues in one unit
- Blockage in the tubing or receiver
- Device damage
Solution:
- Switch batteries between the two aids to test
- Inspect and clean the tubing or earmold
- If cleaning doesn’t help, contact our repair and maintenance service for further inspection
3. Whistling or Feedback Sounds
Issue: High-pitched sound or feedback when wearing the aid
Possible Causes:
- Poor fit or incorrect insertion
- Excessive earwax
- Volume too high
Solution:
- Reinsert the hearing aid to ensure a snug fit
- Consult with a professional to remove earwax if needed
- Lower the volume to see if the feedback subsides
4. Distorted or Weak Sound
Issue: Sound is present but unclear or low
Possible Causes:
- Moisture inside the device
- Dirty microphones or speakers
- Low battery
Solution:
- Use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight
- Clean the microphones and speaker areas carefully
- Replace the battery with a fresh one
5. Intermittent Function or Cutting Out
Issue: Device works occasionally, then stops
Possible Causes:
- Loose battery contacts
- Internal circuitry problems
- Moisture damage
Solution:
- Check and secure the battery door
- Dry the hearing aid using a dehumidifier
- If the issue persists, seek professional help from our hearing aid maintenance and troubleshooting experts
5 Signs That Your Hearing Aid Needs Repair
Sometimes, a problem goes beyond simple troubleshooting and requires professional intervention. Here are key signs that your hearing aid may need repair:
- No sound output even after battery replacement (especially if your hearing aid is not working with a new battery)
- Physical damage, such as cracks or broken tubing
- Persistent feedback or whistling that doesn’t resolve with repositioning
- Consistent distortion or weak sound despite cleaning and battery changes
- Intermittent issues that don’t respond to basic fixes
When in doubt, don’t try to open or fix the internal components yourself. Our dedicated repair and maintenance service is here to help. We diagnose and fix a wide range of hearing aid issues, ensuring your device works reliably and comfortably again. Contact us for a quick evaluation and repair.
5 Important Tips for Proper Handling and Care of Hearing Aids
Routine care goes a long way in preventing issues and extending the life of your hearing aids. Here are a few practical tips:
- Clean your device daily with a soft, dry cloth and designated tools
- Store hearing aids in a dry place, ideally in a dehumidifier overnight
- Avoid exposing hearing aids to moisture, heat, or chemicals (e.g., hairspray or perfume)
- Handle with care, especially when changing batteries or cleaning
- Schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist or technician for preventive maintenance
These small habits can help reduce the frequency of issues related to hearing aid maintenance and troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
Hearing aids are delicate yet powerful devices that perform best with proper care and attention. While some issues can be resolved through basic troubleshooting, recurring or unexplained problems should always be checked by a professional.
If you notice issues such as one hearing aid not working, sound distortion, or poor performance even after changing the battery, it may be time for expert inspection.
At HearFon, our experienced audiologists provide complete hearing aid repair and maintenance — from quick fixes to full servicing. Stay proactive, follow the troubleshooting tips above, and reach out to us whenever your device needs expert care.
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